Mentored Scholars Program (MSP) CLAS

The Mentored Scholars Program in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (MSP-CLAS) offers an exceptional opportunity for First-Generation, Pell-eligible students to receive educational funding, faculty mentorship and professional development opportunities.

Students must meet the following requirements to apply:

  • First-Generation College Student (neither your parent(s) nor guardian(s) have earned a bachelor’s degree)
  • Must have financial need Based on Pell-Eligibility
  • Completed one term at KU with successful completion of at least three credit hours in that term
  • Admitted to the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
  • In good academic standing for the University and the academic unit, meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

The application deadline is October 31, 2026. Applicants selected for admission will be notified in December 2026, with funding to begin in the Spring 2027 semester. If admitted, scholarship funding is contingent upon successful completion of at least three (3) credit hours at KU in the Fall 2026 semester with a GPA of 2.0 or higher. MSP-CLAS Scholarship funding will automatically renew each semester as long as scholars meet program involvement requirements including attendance at MSP events, faculty mentor meetings, or program director meetings.

This opportunity is not available to non-degree seeking or high school students concurrently enrolled in KU courses (i.e. Jayhawk Blueprint program). Questions about eligibility can be emailed to kumsp@ku.edu.

Award
$2000.00 each academic year or $1,000.00 per semester.
Deadline
10/31/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. The MSP-CLAS programs serves first-generation college students with faculty mentorship and access to educational funding for during their undergraduate journey. In 250 words or less, please describe how you would benefit from being a Mentored Scholar?
  2. MSP-CLAS is intended for students with a major in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Please list your major.
  3. If you have more than one major, please list additional majors here.
  4. Responsibility and Accuracy Please read this section carefully and check the box below.
    • I understand that submitting this application does not guarantee I will receive funds.
    • I hereby acknowledge that any award(s) received by me through MSP-CLAS will be used solely for expenses related to continued full-time enrollment (minimum 12 hours per semester for undergraduate students). I understand if I drop below the minimum hours required for full-time status, I may not receive the scholarship.
    • I understand that if I do not maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for the College, I may not receive the scholarship.
    • I understand that my academic record will be reviewed to determine my academic eligibility. I understand that if I am selected to receive a scholarship, my award is contingent upon enrollment as a student in the CLAS who is in good academic standing for the Spring 2027 semester.
    • I understand that participation and engagement with the MSP-CLAS faculty mentors and program directors is a requirement to maintain the scholarship